Neal Johnson

NEAL W. JOHNSON, 81
ROCKFORD - Neal W. Johnson, 81, of Rockford went home to the Lord early Sunday morning, June 8, 2008, in Highview in the Woodlands, succumbing to the long, progressive results of Alzheimer's disease. Born April 18, 1927, in Rockford, the son of Axel and Edith Johnson. He attended Hallstrom and Lincoln and graduated from East High School in 1945. Neal was confirmed at Tabor Lutheran in 1938 and married Ethel Dons in 1950, in Trinity Lutheran Church. Their only child, Renee, was born in 1955. Neal's career as a printer with the Rockford newspaper started in 1950 and he retired in 1983. Neal filled his retirement years with his favorite pastimes – riding his bike along the Rock River bike path and swimming in the beautiful indoor pool at his home at The Cloisters. Surviving is daughter, Renee Buhl; and "favorite" son-in-law, Bill Buhl. Neal will now be reunited in heaven with his only brother, Fred, who was killed in Korea in 1953; parents, Axel and Edith; former wife, Ethel; and beloved pets. We would like to extend a special thank you to Highview in the Woodlands in Rockton and the devoted staff who cared for Neal and gave quality to his life these past five years. Also, a note of thanks to VNA Hospice nurse, Tina. Private service in Scandinavian Cemetery, with Pastor Kathy Whitney from Trinity Lutheran Church officiating. Final arrangements were completed by Olson Funeral & Cremation Services Ltd., 1001 Second Ave., Rockford. Memorials to Trinity Lutheran Church, 200 First St., Rockford, IL 61104. To send a private condolence, visit olsonfh.com.